Kobe Bryant is ranked 5th on the list of the best NBA players ever. The author believes that it would be disrespectful to leave Kobe Bryant out of the top five of any all-time list. They mention his numerous accomplishments, such as being an NBA MVP, 5-time champion, two-time Finals MVP, 18-time All-Star, nine All-Defensive First Team selections, and being the fourth leading scorer. The author argues against critics who use advanced statistics to discredit Kobe’s greatness, stating that he was just as successful, if not more, than players like Larry Bird, LeBron James, Wilt Chamberlain, Magic Johnson, and Shaq. The author urges readers not to buy into the idea that Kobe Bryant wasn’t as great as he was portrayed and pays tribute to him

The Greatest NBA Players of All Time

3. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, the NBA’s all-time leading scorer and inventor of the iconic skyhook shot, cemented his status as the greatest center in league history. With an impressive career total of 38,387 points, it will take a monumental effort from LeBron James to surpass him. Abdul-Jabbar’s longevity is unmatched, as evidenced by his NBA Finals MVP awards won 14 years apart. He earned numerous individual honors, including six MVPs, one more than legends Bill Russell and Michael Jordan. Notably, he remains the only player to win an MVP despite his team not making the playoffs. Splitting his time between the Milwaukee Bucks and Los Angeles Lakers, Abdul-Jabbar won three MVPs with each franchise and secured five of his six championship rings in Los Angeles. With 19 All-Star appearances and consistent top-five finishes in MVP voting, Abdul-Jabbar’s accolades are too numerous to list. His offensive skills surpassed those of Russell and his staying power allowed him to retire as the leader in nine statistical categories, a feat even Wilt Chamberlain couldn’t match. Despite lacking the physical dominance of Chamberlain or Shaquille O’Neal, Abdul-Jabbar’s fluidity and skill set him apart as the greatest center of all time.

2. LeBron James

LeBron James, often at the center of the Michael Jordan debate, has undeniably achieved greatness throughout his career. From his debut in the NBA, James has consistently lived up to the immense hype that surrounded him since his high school days in Akron, Ohio. He not only met expectations but exceeded them. While the Jordan vs. James debate may never end, it is remarkable that James has already reached this level. His performance in 2016, leading the Cleveland Cavaliers to a historic comeback from a 3-1 deficit against the 73-win Golden State Warriors, solidified his place among the all-time greats. From scoring 41 points in back-to-back games to his iconic block in Game 7, James elevated his game to new heights. As a member of the NBA’s 75th anniversary team, he shares a rarefied air with Jordan. James is also closing in on Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s all-time scoring record, currently only 1,326 points away. Despite being recognized more for his overall game than his scoring ability, James has consistently delivered on and off the court. From opening a school in his hometown to building his own media empire, he has gone above and beyond expectations. LeBron James is a true GOAT.

1. Michael Jordan

There is no question that Michael Jordan is the greatest basketball player of all time. His unparalleled achievements speak for themselves. Jordan won three consecutive championships, briefly left the sport to pursue baseball, then returned to win three more titles. Even in his final comeback, he averaged over 20 points per game and scored 40-plus points in a single game, making him one of the oldest players to do so. Jordan’s resume includes five MVPs, six Finals MVPs, and a Defensive Player of the Year award in 1988. He was also named to the NBA’s 75th anniversary team. Jordan’s impact extended beyond statistics. He played at an elite level on both ends of the court and possessed an unwavering determination to win. His intensity and competitiveness were unmatched, as depicted in the documentary series “The Last Dance.” Jordan’s dominance as a guard remains unparalleled, solidifying his place at the top of every basketball fan’s list. From his on-court success to his endorsements, shoes, and lasting legacy, Michael Jordan’s impact on the game is immeasurable.

The Greatest NBA Players of All Time

3. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar

The NBA’s all-time leading scorer and inventor of the most lethal shot in Association history, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar skyhooked his way to 38,387 career points. Maybe, just maybe LeBron James surpasses him in another four or five seasons, but it’s going to take a herculean effort on The King’s part to supplant the greatest center ever whose longevity is practically unrivaled. You’re not supposed to win NBA Finals MVP awards 14 years apart, but Abdul-Jabbar did. He earned just about every individual honor a superstar can earn, most especially six MVPs (one more than Russell and Jordan) and he’s still the only player in league history to win an MVP despite his team not making the playoffs. Of course, he made the NBA 75 squad. Splitting his time between the Bucks and Lakers, Abdul-Jabbar won three MVPs with each franchise and five of his six rings in Los Angeles. A 19-time All-Star who 15 times finished in the top 5 of the MVP voting, we’ll spare you from listing out all his accolades because you’d be scrolling this fine piece of #content for hours. All you really need to know is that Abdul-Jabbar is the greatest center and it’s not even a debate. Bill Russell might have more titles, Wilt Chamberlain might have all those untouchable records, but Abdul-Jabbar was offensively skilled in ways Russell never was and retired as the league leader in nine statistical categories thanks to an impressive staying power Chamberlain couldn’t match. Abdul-Jabbar wasn’t physically dominant the way Wilt or Shaquille O’Neal was, but his fluidity was something special for someone of his gargantuan size. All other big men bow down to The Captain. —AC

2. LeBron James

As someone who has LeBron James as No. 1 on their best NBA players list, this is an easy one to write. When you think of LeBron James, you think of greatness. From the first dribble he took in an NBA game up until now, he’s done nothing but live up to the massive hype that was placed on his shoulders coming out of high school in Akron, Ohio. LeBron not only matched the hype, but he exceeded it. And let’s be honest, you’re being naive if you don’t think he has a chance to take the No. 1 spot on this list when his career is over. The Michael Jordan vs. LeBron James debate will never cease, but the fact that LeBron has already made it to this level is pretty damn amazing. We could go through all the stats and the awards to prove why James should be where he is on this list, but there’s really no need. We all know what he’s done and will continue to do for at least a few more years. For me, what secured James’ spot in the conversation with MJ was his performance in 2016 when he led the Cleveland Cavaliers back from a 3-1 deficit against the 73-win Golden State Warriors. In my book, that’s the single greatest achievement in NBA history and will be hard to top. From dropping 41 in back-to-back games to the block in Game 7, LeBron leveled up in 2016. A member of the league’s 75th anniversary team, he long ago reached a different plane of basketball greatness that only himself and Jordan occupy. They breathe different air than the rest of us and that’s ok. Let’s not forget LeBron is only 1,326 points away from passing Kareem to become the No. 1 scorer in NBA history. The irony of it is that most of his career, LeBron has not been recognized for his scoring ability despite his numbers. LeBron’s book isn’t finished yet and he could add a few more titles along the way, but let’s not also ignore everything he’s done over his career off the court. From opening a school in his hometown to building his own media empire, LeBron has consistently done everything we’ve expected from him and then some. A true GOAT. —ZF

1. Michael Jordan

How much of an explanation do you need here? Of course, Michael Jordan is No. 1. This man won three in a row, left to play baseball, then came back to win three in a row again, and then he came back one more time and was one of the oldest players to average 20 PPG and to score 40-plus in a game. The GOAT, no question. But I’m still going to remind you that he never played in a Finals Game 7 in six appearances and won a Defensive Player of the Year award (’88) along with his five MVPs, six Finals MVPs, and was named to the NBA’s 75th anniversary team. He played at the highest level on both sides of the floor and like Bill Russell before him knew exactly what he had to do to help his team win day in and day out. Jordan never took a game off, he was a maniac for better or worse. My guy was brought to tears when he looked back at how maniacal he was towards his teammates. ESPN’s The Last Dance tried its best to encapsulate MJ’s stranglehold on the basketball world and still didn’t do it justice. No guard has ever dominated the league like he did, which helps his case when you see him on the top of everyone’s list. There will never be another Michael Jordan. The winning, the endorsements, the shoes, the legacy. He did it all and made sure you knew about it along the way. All with a smile on his face and a cigar about to be lit. —AD

The Greatest NBA Players of All Time

When it comes to ranking the greatest NBA players of all time, there are always debates and differing opinions. However, there are a few players who consistently appear at the top of these lists. Here are three players who are often considered the best of the best: